Hollywood actor Ben Affleck has opened up about co-parenting his three children with former wife Jennifer Garner, praising her as a "spectacular" mother while humorously awarding himself a "B+" for his own parenting efforts.
The 54-year-old actor made the remarks during an interview with Willie Geist for NBC's Sunday TODAY, reflecting on the relationship he shares with Garner nearly eight years after their divorce was finalised. Affleck, who shares Violet, 20, Seraphina, 17, and Samuel, 14, with Garner, admitted that he often feels his parenting abilities fall short of those of his former wife. "Their mom is spectacular, and always makes me feel like I'm coming up a little short," Affleck said, joking about the comparison.
The actor revealed that he sometimes asks his children how his parenting measures up against their mother's, only to receive a less flattering assessment than he expects. He said he considers himself about 75 per cent as good a parent as Garner, while his children jokingly place his performance closer to 40 per cent. "I'm maxing out. B+," Affleck remarked, laughing at his own assessment.
'Mutual respect matters'
Beyond the humour, Affleck spoke warmly about Garner and the understanding they have maintained while raising their children following their separation. The Oscar-winning actor emphasised that mutual respect and the ability to cooperate were essential to successful co-parenting. "I respect her. I'm grateful for her," he said, adding that maintaining a cordial relationship was important for their family.
Affleck and Garner married in June 2005 and announced their separation in 2015, after nearly a decade together. Their divorce was finalised in 2018. Despite ending their marriage, the former couple have continued to share parenting responsibilities and have frequently been seen together at family occasions involving their children.
Putting children first
In a separate interview with Variety, Affleck recently discussed how his daily routine revolves around spending time with his children. He said he works during the day before returning home to collect them from school and, whenever possible, share meals with them. The actor explained that the children alternate between spending a week with him and a week with Garner under their shared parenting arrangement.
Affleck also expressed gratitude for the stability of his family life, acknowledging that parenting could bring unexpected challenges but describing the present phase as particularly fulfilling. He said his professional choices were increasingly influenced by his responsibilities as a father.
The actor explained that he preferred working on projects based in Los Angeles, allowing him to remain close to his children rather than spending extended periods away on film sets. Affleck acknowledged that not every working parent enjoyed the flexibility to make such decisions, adding that he considered himself fortunate.
Life after divorce
Affleck and Garner welcomed their eldest daughter, Violet, in December 2005, followed by Seraphina in January 2009 and Samuel in February 2012. Following his separation from Garner, Affleck rekindled his relationship with singer and actress Jennifer Lopez. The two married in 2022 but subsequently separated, with their divorce finalised in 2025.
Garner, meanwhile, has continued her acting career while maintaining a relatively private personal life. Affleck's latest remarks highlighted the appreciation he continues to express for Garner's role in their children's upbringing, with the actor suggesting that their shared commitment to family has remained central to their relationship despite the end of their marriage.